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"Legislation to clarify Wyoming's definition of marriage split along party lines to pass out of a House committee 7-2 on Monday.

"Wyoming
law already defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman,
but state law also requires the state to recognize marriages performed
in other states. House Bill 74 would close that loophole, specifying
that marriages of same-sex couples performed in other states or other countries
wouldn't be considered valid in Wyoming.

"Supporters testified
that the legislation would ensure that policy decisions aren't made in
court if a homosexual couple decides to challenge Wyoming's law.
Opponents said the approval of the legislation was a disappointing
tribute for Martin Luther King Jr. and Wyoming Equality Day.

"Austin
Nimocks, senior legal counsel with the Alliance Defense Fund, testified
that marriage is often viewed as a contract with the state and two
consenting adults. And while Wyoming must recognize marriages from
other states, it must also provide divorces when legally-recognized
couples decide to split, he added.

"Listeners packed into Room
302 of the Capitol, crowding the room with additional chairs and
spilling into the hallway as lawmakers heard more than two hours of
testimony for and against the legislation.

"The proposal
encroaches on the fundamental right of marriage, said Torrington
resident Butch Nollsch with the group Wyoming Watchdogs.

"'Tradition
alone cannot be used as a justification,' he added. 'Does the state
have the constitutional authority to define marriage at all?'

"He
also criticized conservative lawmakers for arguing against gun control
but in favor of 'marriage control.' Nollsch asked if it meant that
marriage is more dangerous than guns, saying that HB 74 doesn't benefit
the state in any way.

"Instead, the legislation would embolden
bullies, said Joe Corrigan, chairman Wyoming Equality, an advocacy
group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals in Wyoming.

"Cheyenne
resident Mary Boud said the bill's opponents implied that supporters
are prejudiced. She added that it doesn't signify animosity toward
homosexuals and the goal is to strengthen the relationship that
supports a family and brings children into the world."